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Reflective Glass and Concrete Rest Stop Embracing Siberian Landscapes

Authors:
Sophie Gothard, Beth Davidson
Reflective Glass and Concrete Rest Stop Embracing Siberian Landscapes

Project in-detail

Mirrored glass panels reflect the expansive Siberian landscape while concrete and communal spaces create a functional rest stop for travelers along the Trans Siberian Railway.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored surfaces dynamically integrate the building with its natural Siberian surroundings.
02
Utilizes concrete and glass to withstand extreme weather conditions while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates communal seating areas to foster social interaction among travelers.
04
Transparent design elements allow for natural light and open views of the landscape.
05
Educational signage within the structure highlights key locations along the Trans Siberian Railway.

**Overview**

Located along the Trans Siberian Railway, this architectural design focuses on creating a functional space that enhances the travel experience for passengers traversing one of the world's longest routes. The intent is to harmonize the structure with the unique natural surroundings, allowing visitors to engage with the local environment while fulfilling their practical needs. The design emphasizes not just utility, but also an aesthetic appreciation of the Siberian landscape.

**Spatial Strategy and User Interaction**

The architectural approach emphasizes a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. The geometry of the building facilitates a strong connection to the landscape through reflective surfaces that invite interaction with the surrounding vistas. Signage integrated into the design provides navigational support and imparts cultural context, enhancing travelers' understanding of their journey. Communal seating areas foster social interaction among visitors, thereby creating a dynamic atmosphere that encourages engagement.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**

A deliberate choice of materials underpins both the visual impact and functionality of the building. The predominant use of glass allows for transparency and reflection, creating a light-filled interior while framing views of the external environment. Concrete provides structural stability, ensuring durability against the region’s severe weather, while metal accents offer a modern aesthetic. Sustainable practices are prioritized in material selection, highlighting ecological considerations in construction. Notably, the incorporation of mirrored panels not only serves a reflective purpose but also deepens the visitors' connection to the surrounding landscape.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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